Finding a Vein

Choosing the Right Limb

• • Do

  • Ask the patient about their preference of arm
  • Use the nondominant arm if possible

• • Don't

  • Absolutely do not use the same arm as an AV fistula
  • Don’t use the same arm as a past lymph node dissection or mastectomy
  • Don’t insert a PICC on the same side as a pacemaker
  • Don’t use a limb affected by stroke
  • Don’t insert a needle through a burn, oedema or infected tissue
  • Don’t use a limb that has a DVT